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September, 17, 18, 19, 1891:
Hamilton Centennial Celebration

 
Semler Flower Company Float
Centennial Parade crossing the 
High and Main Street Bridge
 
On September 17, 1891, Hamilton's Centennial Celebration began with the firing of  a cannon at 6 AM.  Thirteen shots were fired to commemorate the thirteen states in the Union at the time of the founding of Fort Hamilton.  After the cannon was fired, the rest of the city followed suit by making as much noise as possible.  The Hamilton Daily Democrat reported: "Such a clatter was never heard before in Hamilton.  To usher in the glad New Year, our bells and whistles often exert themsleves, but the noise is nothing to that of 6 this morning."

The festivities for the weekend included a pageant on Thursday, "The Feast of Flowers and Youth," on Friday various concerts and speaches by prominent people, and on Saturday a parade and a fireworks display. The Hamilton Daily Democrat reported: "No grander or more gorgeous displayof fireworks ever took place in any city." The three-day celebration was largely attended.

Fairfield Township Float, Centennial Parade, Septmeber 19, 1891
 

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